Coming from China, the two met each other at this year’s freshman orientation, kept in touch and began dating.

“We decided to come to the dance because we have been with each other for a long time and we wanted to do something special for Valentine’s Day,” said Su, an economics freshman, as he beamed at Chen, a finance freshman.

Students dance Friday, Feb. 15, 2013, in the ballroom at the Marriott at University Place, 300 M.A.C. Ave. during A Night in Paris: Valentine’s Ball. The annual ball was in ninth year in running. Justin Wan/The State News

International relations senior Keith Bartlett and sociology junior Mary-Catherine Kwilos dance in the ballroom, Friday, Feb. 15, 2013, at the Marriott at University Place, 300 M.A.C. Ave. during A Night in Paris: Valentine’s Ball. This was the ninth year the ball was hosted. Justin Wan/The State News